Photo credit: Marta Ivanic
Western Australian athletes are proving that sport has no limits as sitting volleyball grows in popularity across Perth.
The program at Southern Cross Volleyball is bringing physically challenged and non-challenged players together on the same level playing field.
Perth local Rachel Williams joined the program over a year ago after losing her leg in March of 2024.
She discovered the sport during her rehabilitation while she was still learning to walk.
“It was just something that I could get out of my chair and not depend on anything,” Ms Williams said.
She had never played volleyball before, but said she quickly found success.
She was recently selected for the Australian national team and travelled to China to compete.
For Ms Williams, the sport provided a vital physical and social outlet.
“I thought once I’d lost my leg, I wouldn’t be able to actually do anything again but when I found it, I realised how hard it actually was and how much effort it took,” she said.
Southern Cross volleyball coach Mauro Vennitti says the program’s core purpose is to make the game accessible to everyone, regardless of physical ability.
Coaching sitting volleyball is different from the standing version, because players have limited movement on the floor.
Mr Vennitti explained that he must adapt his drills to fit the individual ability levels of each athlete.
“I measure success by how happy the athlete is, more than anything,” Mr Vennitti said, adding:
“If they enjoy the game and want to come back and improve, then that’s a success for me”.
The program currently focuses on training, but the club hopes to start a regular weekly competitions in WA soon.
Looking ahead, local players have their sights set on the 2032 Paralympics in Brisbane.
Ms Williams encourages others to join the growing community.
“I think anyone who’s contemplating should just come and try, because otherwise you’ll underestimate how much you’re able to do,” she said.